Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am surveying on what people look for in a reptile/amphibian breeder that they intend to buy from. I would like your help on this project. Any support is great.

Thanks
Mike
Greater Cincinnati Herpetological Society

well, obviously a well known name helps, but if the animal you're looking at is from a smaller breeder, a few points I look at:

How does the person sound / present himself? Does it seem like he knows his animals, knows care etc? Honesty and integrity are key, does the seller seem honest?

Why is the animal being sold? Babies are obvious but older ones also have their reasons.

History on animal, IMO, if the breeder keeps good records on his babies, probably a more desirable breeder to do business with.

Price is always a concern but I am leary of too low a price, particularly on recessive hets. If it seems to good to be true, you might be the next sucker. Not to say there aren't really great deals out there and I've probably passed some by. I have what I consider a lot of cash tied up in my snakes and I am leary of each and every new purchase.

Pics of the animal, does the seller have additional pics for review? AND, does he/she have pics on the parents?

With all the info you have, does this feel like a good business relationship?

If something does not seem right to me, I don't buy.

It'a always a risk when dealing with an unknown party accross the internet. I personally have purchased dozens of animals and have received healthy animals every time. Still have to prove out all of my BCI's though. Time will tell.
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Thanks,

Dave "Rainbows-R-Us"

0.1 Wife (WC)
0.2 kids (CBB)
4.12 Brazilian Rainbow Boa
2.1 Hypomelanistic BRB
0.1 Het for Hypomelanistic BRB
0.1 BCI "Elvira" normal from 1989
1.0 BCI albino / het-anery
0.1 BCI Hypo / het-albino
0.1 BCI Anery / het-albino
0.1 BCI Hypo (possible super)
1.0 BCI albino het stripe
1.0 BCI salmon hypo
0.1 BCI ghost

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats

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